The Indiana Department of Natural Resources says that annual deer reduction hunts are improving the wildlife habitat at state properties such as Pokagon State Park.

The controlled deer herd reductions first began in 1995. The hunts were started in parks like Pokagon to help reduce the deer population to a more manageable size. The other reason for the reduction hunts are to allow the forest to recover.

During the reduction hunt this week, Pokagon hosted 31 hunters on Monday and 19 on Tuesday.